Fluid level and alarm control



11, R MQORE FLUID LEVEL AND ALARM CONTROL Filed 001;. 2, 1959 INVENTOR BAY CMUOPE A TTOR/VEY Patented Aug. ii, 1942 FLUID LEVEL AND ALARM QONTROL Ray C. Moore, Delaware, Ohio, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Fred H. Schaub Engineering 00., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application October 2, 1939, Serial N 0. 297,627

Claims.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to automatic fluid level and alarm controls.

In the use of the invention selected for illustration in the drawing it is applied to a boiler. It may be equally well applied to refrigeration systems for control of the flow of the refrigerant, and to various other systems in which fluid should be maintained between recognized maximum and minimum levels.

Low level and high level alarms actuated by floats are well known in many arrangements, and applicant makes no claim tosuch in a broad or general sense. The present invention goes far beyond any such arrangement. As applied to a boiler, for instance, the present invention is so constructed and arranged that as the water level reaches a predetermined low point the device will automatically start an alarm, discontinue the supply of heat and start a supp y of water to the boiler. And, as the water level reaches a predetermined high point the device will start an alarm and stop the supply of water to the boiler. Furthermore, the device is adjustable to operate at various predetermined low and high water levels. Also. in the satisfied or normal positions, between high and low, it will maintain supply of heat, cut-off water supply and cut-off alarm.

In order to more clearly disclose the construction, arrangement and operation of the invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings forming part of this application. Throughout the several figures of the drawing like reference characters designate the same parts in all of the views.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a vertical longitudinal cross section of the invention;

Fi 2 is a top plan view of the lower clamp, enlarged; and,

Fig. 3 is a like view of the lower magnet.

For clearness, the heat supp y or generator, water supply and alarm are all shown diagrammatlcally, including the electric circuits for actuating them. And, instead of indicating the alternative positions of the magnets by dotted lines, the arc of swing is shown by arrows.

In Fig. 1 of the drawing the parts are shown at the normal water line, satisfied or control point, with boiler or the like in full operation, the pipe connections between boiler and float chamber for clearness being merely diagrammatically indicated by arrows. This applies both to equalizer pipe connections "to upper part of float chamber and to the water pipe connection from boiler to lower part of float chamber.

this position, the heat supply is on while the water supply and alarm are off. The boiler or other container and its location relative to the float chamber as indicated is obvious and, therefore, not positively further shown.

Now, as the water falls from this point toward a predetermined low point, the float I in chamber 2 follows, carrying stem 3 and piston l with it. Piston 4, of suitable magnetic material, travels freely within the non-magnetic tube '5 the lower end of which is suitably secured to and communicates with the chamber 2. In extreme lowered Positions, piston 4 rests upon the cushion or shock absorbing spring 6. The maximum upward travel of t is limited by a collar or the like i which may be secured at various selected positions along stem 3 by means of a set screw or the like. As stem 3 rises co lar I will engage the inside top of the float chamber. In this way the piston 4 may be prevented from rising beyond the field of the upper magnet 9, for instance.

To the upper end of 5 is secured on insulator block 8 with suitable binder post connections for the various wires of the several circuits for actuating the alarm, water supply control, and heat supply control. It will be noticed that piston l in the position shown, is within arcs or magnetic fields of both of the permanent magnets 9 and it, which are, therefore, attracted inwardly toward tube 5 and piston 4. These magnets are carried by supporting bars II and I2, which are pivotally mounted in clamps l3 and M, respectively. By a screw or any other usual and well known form of securing means, these clamps may be set at any desired point along tube 5 for regulating the controls, as will be clear. Each bar is extended upwardly somewhat above its pivot p int and has connected to it one end of a tension spring I5 and I3, respectively. The opposite end of each spring is -connected to the respective clamp. The tendency of each spring is to swing the respective magnet outwardly in the direction of the arrow and away from tube 5. Each bar ll, l2, carries near its upper end a small bracket H and I8, respectively, which is outwardly inclined at a considerable angle. On each bracket is suitably supported, at a slight inclination to the horizontal, a mercury switch I!) and 20, respectively, the ends remote from tube 5 being lower when the magnets 9 and ID are drawn in by piston l, as in Fig. 1. In the upper end (Fig. l) of the tube of mercury switch l9 are sealed the terminals of circuit wires AB through which,

when closed by tilting the switch up. current flows through the water control device, around the alarm and to the switch. in well known manner, turning on the water supply. And, of course, the water supply is clit-ofl' by tipping the switch back again to the position shown. There are no ontacts in the opposite end of the tube II.

In the upper end of the tube 01 the other switch II are sealed the terminals of circuit wires C-B leading from the switch to and through the alarm so that when that switch is tilted to close 0-3 the alarm will be sounded. In the opposite end of that tube are sealed the terminals of circuit wires B-D. leading from it'to and through the heat control, to apply or cut-oi! the heat.

From the above. It will be seen that when the piston I is out o! the fleld ot the upper magnet I the upper mercury switch II will close the circuit tor actuating the water control to start the water supply. Likewise, when the piston I is out of the iield oi the lower magnet II, the lower mercury switch will close the circuit for actuating the alarm and will, simultaneous y. break the circuit through the heat control, thereby cutting 0! further heat.

At this point it may be stated that the water control may be a P p motor, a valve. or any other well known type of control. And the same is true of the heat control. It may be a stoker motor. a liquid fuel supply valve. a damper, or any other well known type or heat control.

As a matter 01' protection, the tube I and all parts carried thereby may be enclosed in a simple compact case, hood or housing. II bolted or otherwise removably secured to chamber 2.

It is to be understood that the present invention is thoroughly applicable to all systems and uses in which it is desirable to control one or more fluid levels. although for cleamess and simplicity only one very common use has been speciflcally illustrated and a second particularly reierred to. It is desired and intended to include all such uses within this application, together with any and all adaptations of the invention to meet the known specific requirements of the particular system or use. It is believed both undesirable and unnecessary to include iurther illustration oi uses 01' the invention all of which, from the illustration given, will be readily understood by those skilled n the art.

Having thus described the construction of the invention and, in general terms, stated its uses, 1 shall now set forth its operation, as applied to a boiler. The terms satisfied, normal, and controlled positions, mean that the fluid level is at a point satisfactory for normal operation, between the high and low extremes and. in the case 01 a boiler, at a point where heat supply is being maintained or "on, water is sufllcient and therefore the supply is oil' and there is no occasion for the alarm which, therefore, is ofl'." All parts, therefore are in the position illustrated in Fig. l of the drawing. Starting with that position, the lower mercury switch II through circuit B-D, actuates the heat supply control to apply heat to the boiler, at the same time rendering the alarm circuit C-D inoperative by uncovering the terminal or C. At the same time upper mercury switch II uncovers the terminals of circuit A-B controlling fluid supplyso that flow of water is discontinued. I! the fluid level in the float chamber 2, due to consumption, leak- I-Se or any other cause, drops, float I with stem I and piston I follow, or course. As they reach the predetermined low point, the top of I will Pass below the fleld oi the upper magnet I which will be free to the action of its wring II which will rock it out in the direction of the arrow, tipping switch II to submerge terminals or A-B which close the circuit to start the fluid supply. As the supply in the boiler is restored the parts I, I, I return. As I again comes into the magnetic fleld of I it returns I and II to the positions shown. breaking the circuit A-B and d scontinuing the water supp y- The parts are again at satisfied positions. But, should the supp y. for some reason, not cut-oil, and water continue to flow into the boiler. parts I. I and I will continue to rise. As they do so, the lower edge of I would pass upwardly beyond the fleld of magnet II which would then be freed to the action of its spring II. swinging magnet II outwardly in the direction 01 the arrow and tipping switch II to break circuit 8-D and complete circuit C-B, cutting oil the heat supp y and starting the alarm to notify the operator that the boiler is out oi control. However, due to stop I, piston I would not pass upwardly beyond magnet I to restart water supply.

Starting again, at the satisfied position. as the, level drops toward the predetermined low level point, the top 0! I falls below the fleld or the upper magnet I, with the result above stated. However. i! the water supply fails to come on. or there is leakage in excess of supply or, for some other reason, the water level should persist in dropping, parts I, I and I will follow. As the piston I continues down, its top will pass below the fleld of the lower magnet II which will be free to the actions oi. its spring II and will be swung outward in the direction of the arrow, tipping mercury switch II to open circuit 3-D and close circuit C-B again cutting oil heat supply and starting the alarm, notifying the operator that the boiler is out 0! control.

By having the clamps, bars, brackets and magnets of the upper set the same as those of the lower, one set is interchangeable with the other and, additionally, each element oi each set is interchangeable with the corresponding element of the other set.

As will be readily understood, clamps II and II may be set or secured at various points along tube I to actuate the invention at various desired predetermined fluid levels. Likewise, they may be spaced apart varying distances within the limits oi the length of piston I, to vary the range or distance between the "high alarm point" and "low alarm point." And, of course, piston I oi difl'erent lengths could be used to further contribute toward such variability in levels.

When the invention has been completely assembled and checked for operation, the collar or stop I is adjusted so that it will contact the inner upper end of the float chamber before the lower part of piston I passes upwardly beyond the field oi the upper magnet I. This will keep the circuit AB open or broken after the high alarm point" has been reached.

All controls (fluid supply, heat supply and alarm) are magnetically actuated. As the float moves the magnetic piston I into the fleld of one or the other of the magnets I, II magnetism swings that magnet and its mercury switch to effect making or breaking of a control actuating circuit as above explained. The same is true. though in a different order, when piston I passes out of the magnetic field of either or said masparts of the invention nets and trees it to the actions of the respective sp ing l or it.

It is thought that the construction, operation and use of this invention will be clear from the preceding detailed description.

Many changes may be made in the construction, arrangement and disposition of the various within the scope of the appended claims without in any degree departing from the fleld thereof and it is meant to include all such within this application wherein only one preferred form of the invention has been shown purely by way of illustration and with no thought or intention of many degree limiting any of the claims thereby.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receiv the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controllingsaid supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet pivotally mounted adjacent the path or travel of an actuating means to swing toward and from said path and, actuating said fluid supply control, a magnet pivotally mounted adjacent the path of? travel of an actuating means to swing toward and from said path and. actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, and means carried by'said float and movable to and from successive magnet actuating positions between said magnets in accord with the movements of said float.

2. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid actu ated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet actuating said fluid supply con= trol, a magnet actuating said heat supp y control and said alarm, means carried by said float and actuating said magnets, and means for adjusting said magnets relatively to the last named actuating means for predetermining the point Of operation of said magnets. Y

3. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet actuating said fluid supply control, a magnet actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, means carried by said float and actuating said magnets, and means for adjusting said magnet-s relatively to each other to vary the interval between actuation of the water supply control and the actuation of the heat supply control and alarm.

4. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receiv the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said fluid supply, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet for actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, a magnet actuating said fluid supply control, means carried by said float and actuating said magnets, and means for adjusting said magnets relatively to the last named actuating means for predetermining the point of operation of said magnets, and relatively to each other to predetermine the interval between actuation of the water supply control and actuations of the heat supply control and alarm.

55. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, a magnet actuating said water supply control, and means carried by said float and simultaneously maintaining actuated both of said magnets when said float is in satisfied positions.

6. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein,- a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, a magnet actuating said water supply control, means carried by said float and actuating said magnets, and adjustable means limiting the upward travel oi the last named actuating means.

i. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering tosaid chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet pivotally mounted adjacent the path of travel of an actuating means to swing toward and from said path and actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, a magnet pivotally mounted adjacent the path of travel of an actuating means said path and actuating said fluid supply control, means carried by said float and movable to and from successive magnet actuating positions between said magnets in accord with the movements or said float, and means limiting the upward travel of the last named actuating means.

8. In combination in a fluid level control, a chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid-actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, magnets actuating said fluid supply control and said heat supply control and alarm control, and automatically actuated means controlled by said float for simultaneously maintaining actuated said magnets when said means is in satisfied positions.

9. In combination in a fluid level control, a chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid-actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supp y, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, magnets actuating said fluid supply control and said heat supply control, and automatically actuated means controlled by said float for simultaneously maintaining actuated said magnets when said means is in satisfied positions.

10. In combination in a fluid level control, a chamber to receive th fluid, means movable within said chamber in accordance with variations of the fluid level therein and carrying magnetic material, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, electrical means controlling the same, a heat supply for said chamber, electrical means controlling the same, an alarm, electrical means controlling the same, magnets movably mounted to swing toward and from I at opposite sides the path or travel of said magnetic material and simultaneously maintained operated by said magnetic material when said movable means i in satisfled positions, mean for operating said magnets oppositely when not influenced by said magnetic material, and circuit control devices carried by said magnets and actuated by movements of said magnets and actuating the aforesaid electrical controlling means.

11. In combination in a fluid level control, a chamber to receive the fluid, means movable within said chamber in accordance with variations 01' the fluid level therein and carrying magnetic material, a fluid supply for said chamber, electrical means controlling the same, a heat supply for said chamber, electrical means controlling the same, an alarm, electrical means controlling the same, magnets movably mounted at opposite sides of the path of travel 01' said magnetic material and simultaneously maintained operated by said magnetic material when said movable means is in satisfled positions, means for operating said magnets oppositely when not influenced by said magnetic material, a circuit control device carried by one of said magnets and actuated by its movements to simultaneously complete one 01' two of the aforesaid control circuits and break the other by its movement in one direction and to reverse that operation by its movement in the opposite direction, and a circuit control device carried by the other magnet and similarly actuated by its movements to respectively complete and break the remaining aforesaid control circuit.

12. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid level actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet actuating said fluid supply control, a magnet actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, and means carried by said float and successively actuating said magnets in accord with the movements 01 the float.

13. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, means controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means for controlling said heat supply, an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet actuating said fluid supply control, a magnet actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, and means carried by said float and successively actuating said magnets in accord with the movements of said float and simultaneously maintaining all said magnets actuated at all times when said float is in satisfled position.

14. In combination in a fluid level control, a float chamber to receive the fluid, a fluid level actuated float therein, a fluid supply delivering to said chamber, mean controlling said supply, a heat supply for said fluid, means for controlling said heat suppl an alarm, means controlling said alarm, a magnet pivotally mounted adjacent the path or travel or an actuating means to swing toward and from said path and actuating said heat supply control and said alarm, a magnet pivotally mounted adjacent the path of travel oi an actuating means to swing toward and from said path and actuating said fluid supply control, means carried by said float and movable to and from successive magnet actuating positions between said magnets in accord with the movements or said float and means preventing upward travel of the last named actuating means beyond position maintaining actuated th fluid control magnet.

15. In combination in a fluid level control. a float chamber adapted for connection to a fluid reservoir, the interior of th float chamber being in communication with the interior of the said reservoir, 9. float movable within said float chamber in accordance with the variations or the fluid level in the reservoir and carrying magnetic material, magnets movably mounted at opposite sides of the path of travel 01 said float and simultaneously maintained operated by said magnetic material when said float is in satisfied positions, means for operating said magnets oppositely when not influenced by said magnetic material, electric circuit controllers actuated by the movements of said magnets, and means preventing movement of said float upwardly beyond a predetermined position. said float being movable downwardly with the decrease in height 0! the fluid level in the said reservoir thereby falling successively below the positions at which said magnetic material actuates the said magnets.

RAY C. MOORE. 

